weightworks

FAQ

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Much is said and written about a gastric bypass. But you may find it difficult to determine what is true and what is not. That is why we discuss a number of facts and myths and frequently asked questions here. Is it still unclear? Just give us a call or send us a message. It's a little effort to catch you up on the subject.


FAQ, Facts and fiction

What people often think and what the facts really are? We have listed the most common questions, facts and myths for you. Still not convinced? Just contact us and we will be happy to explain it to you.


Why choose surgery if you can achieve the same thing with diet and exercise?

It is indeed the case that you can lose weight by living a healthy life and exercising more. But if you are very overweight, it is almost never possible to maintain that for a longer period of time and and keep a healthy weight. Scientific research shows that people who lose weight with diet and exercise are back to their old weight (and usually a little more) in 95% of cases. Bariatric (weightloss) surgery is the most effective way to lose weight.

Medical therapy is also a possibility to lose weight. Isn't that an alternative?

Medication can help to lose weight, but usually that does not help enough. Most medication has to be prescribed and has side effects. There are two kinds:

1: Medication that binds fat (for instance Orlistat). These give an average of a few kilos of weight loss. A disadvantage is fatty diarrhea. In the long run the effect is small.

2: GLP-1 analogues. These drugs do give reasonable weight loss, sometimes up to 20%. They are mainly prescribed for diabetes in combination with obesity. The disadvantage is that they are very expensive and must be given per weekly injection. For a lasting effect, it must be maintained for the rest of your life. Costs run up to €2000 per year.

Is weightloss surgery dangerous?

Every operation has some risk. The risk of weightloss surgery is similar to a gallbladder excision. The risk of a serious complication is around 2%. The risk of death is 1 in 1000. So there is indeed a risk with surgery. But someone who is seriously overweight also runs a considerable risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other conditions without surgery.

A weightloss procedure may help, but won't that weight just come back?

After a weightloss procedure, people lose an average of 80% of their excess weight in the first two years after surgery. After that they often gain a little again, on average 15% to 25%. Yet they are still much lighter than before their operation. For maximum results, also in the long term, everyone receives a coaching program in which they try to learn healthier habits. Ultimately, 70% of people manage to keep more than 50% of their excess weight off for more than 10 years. This result cannot be achieved with any other treatment.

When am I eligible for a stomach reduction?

Many people who are eligible for a weightloss procedure do not know this themselves. A rule of thumb is that if you are one and a half times your normal weight, you may qualify. More accurate is the BMI (Body Mass Index). With a BMI of 35-40 you may be a candidate for a weightloss procedure. Read here what the BMI is and when you qualify, or do the Operation Check.

What are the costs of a weightloss procedure?

People who are seriously overweight are candidates for bariatric surgery. If you meet the conditions, the operation is insured in the basic package. This means that the health insurer pays the costs of the operation and the coaching process. You do have to pay the excess (own risk) of € 385 yourself. After the operation, the digestive system has changed and you absorb food less easily. This also increases the risk of a vitamin deficiency. It is therefore strongly recommended to take extra vitamins for life. Unfortunately, vitamins are not reimbursed and you have to pay for them yourself.

If I lose a lot of weight, will my skin get saggy?

That depends very much on gender, age, fat distribution and BMI. Usually the skin around the torso becomes looser. In about 30% of people, an abdominal wall correction is later performed by the plastic surgeon because of excess skin.

What procedure works best?

There is no direct answer to that. The choice for an operation is made in consultation with the surgeon. This takes into account age, personal preference, additional illnesses, the presence of acid complaints, previous operations, etc. In the Netherlands, there is some preference for performing a Gastric Bypass because of the long experience with the procedure and the very reliable outcomes. About 70% of all interventions in The Netherlands are a gastric bypass or aMini Gastric Bypass.

Fiction: Isn't my weight to low for surgery?

Fact: Many people are wrong about this. If you are 20 kg or more overweight, you might already qualify. Read about the criteria for weightloss surgery here.

Fiction: Why would I get surgery, I am still healthy aren't I?

Fact: Even though you may feel healthy, being overweight can be harmful. Damage to your body will occur unnoticed. Your risk of getting a disease will rise and your life expectancy is shorter.

Fiction: I can't eat anymore after weightloss surgery.

Fact: It is true that after a weightloss procedure the portions are smaller. But in general you can eat everything. Your sensation for hunger will be lower and you will feel satisfied sooner. That is why you will eat less.

Fiction: Weightloss surgery is dangerous.

Fact: Nowadays we have become so good at this operation that the risk is small. The risk is comparable to a gall bladder excision. About 2% of people have to deal with a serious complication. One in a thousand people decease after surgery related complications.

Fiction: Surgery might help, but the weight will increase again anyway.

Fact: For most people this is not true. On average you will lose more than 80% over your overweight. 15-20% of people will regain some of the lost weight, but almost never up to the previous levels.

Fiction: Doing a diet and sporting will be just as good as surgery.

Fact: Unfortunately this is not true. Doing a diet and sporting will help, but in almost all cases this is temporary. Less than 5% of people manage to keep this up for the rest of their lives. Besides, the effect is almost always far less than the result of surgery.

Fiction: Surgery is expensive.

Fact A weightloss procedure is reimbursed out of the basic insurance package. This means you only pay the 'own risk' part.

Fiction: Admission to the clinic is long after surgery.

Fact: 90% of people go home the day after surgery. This means you will only be in the clinic for 1 night.

WeightWorks

Customer experiences

Read all experiences

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    Customer: Rita
    Procedure: Gastric bypass

    My name is Rita. After 30 years of doing all the diets I was done with all that crash and yo-yo life. It was time to really choose myself, so I went to the doctor and received a referral letter for the Dutch Obesity Clinic. That's where I started the process... Read more

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    Customer: Kimberly
    Procedure: Mini Gastric bypass

    I walked into another clinic but heard about WeightWorks so I took the plunge and contacted them purely because it's in my own hometown. I was able to go to WeightWorks very quickly....  Read more

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    Customer: Nicole
    Procedure: Mini Gastric bypass

    After battling the necessary kilograms all my life, I went to the doctor in 2020 to discuss options for losing weight. I had already had all dieticians in the area, I knew every gym in the area inside and out, but I still remained overweight... Read more

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    Customer: Wendy & Thanas
    Procedure: Gastric Bypass and a Mini Gastric Bypass

    After years of fighting the kilos, we have made the decision to go for weightloss surgery. At first we went to NOK, but via via we ended up at WeightWorks. Fortunately, after we called for information, we were able to get in quickly... Read more

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    Customer: Ilona
    Procedure: Mini Gastric Bypass

    On December 21, 2021 I walked into WeightWorks full of nerves. What kind of people are they, what can I expect, will I be approved? Once inside, all nerves went away because of the great team of employees. I was immediately put at ease and the conversation went very smoothly... Read more

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    Customer: Menno
    Procedure: Gastric Bypass

    February 14, the day of the operation, I am warmly welcomed and shown around. I am still allowed to freshen up in my room and dress myself. I am picked up and moved to the OR. Here the surgeon explains everything calmly... Read more

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    Customer: Kimberly
    Procedure: Mini Gastric bypass

    How did I get to this path? I walked into another clinic but heard about WeightWorks so I took the plunge and contacted them anyway, also purely because it is in my own hometown. I was able to go to WeightWorks very quickly.... Read more

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    Customer: Debbie
    Procedure: Gastric bypass

    After the diagnosis of diabetes and again failing diet attempts, I made the choice for a weightloss procedure. At WeightWorks Clinic I immediately felt taken seriously. The surgeons are sweet, accommodating and above all very knowledgeable.. Read more